September 13, 2012 2:25pm EDTSeptember 13, 2012 1:40pm EDTAfter putting up seven tackles and an interception against Miami in the opener, inside linebacker Brian Cushing will be asked to contain Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew in Week 2.

John McClain

Published on Sep. 13, 2012

Sep. 13, 2012

HOUSTON—For the second consecutive season, Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing was voted as a captain by his teammates. Last season, they also voted Cushing as the team’s MVP.

That shows how well Cushing played and how valued he is by his peers. After the 10-6 season, defensive coordinator Wade Phillips acknowledged that Cushing was the team’s best defensive player. Before camp, Cushing was moved from the strong to the weak side, swapping spots with Bradie James, the only new starter on the NFL’s second-ranked defense.

Phillips explained that by moving Cushing to the open side, he would have more room to make plays and rush the passer. Last season, when he led the team in tackles, Cushing tied his career high with four sacks. In the opening victory over Miami, Cushing played with sore ribs and led the team with seven tackles.

He dropped into coverage rather than rush rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill and intercepted a pass.

If the Texans get enough pressure on Jacksonville quarterback Blaine Gabbert with a four-man rush, Cushing will drop into coverage more. Cushing’s most important objective is to contain Maurice Jones-Drew.

If the Texans don’t hit Jones-Drew in the backfield, they want Cushing to get him at the line of scrimmage and not allow him to break tackles.

The plan for containment is to keep him from exploding between the tackles and cutting outside for long runs. The coaches believe Cushing is their best defensive weapon to counteract Jones-Drew.